The Blame Game

“Come on, you’re smarter than that!” Rahman had just explained to me his understanding of the source of all societal problems. As we sat in my backyard, he had taken two large stones and placed them close to one another. “This stone is America, and that one is Russia.” He […]

The Fullest Life

“I’ve decided to follow Jesus,” Daoud announced. Laughter rippled through the crowd of men gathered for prayer in the mosque. “Here he goes again,” someone chuckled. “He’s mocking Christians again.” The villagers waited expectantly for Daoud to continue. As a prominent imam in the region, Daoud’s reputation afforded him a […]

Building on Shaky Ground

My knees ached after fifteen minutes of squatting by the wall of the Afghan Government office. The Afghans waiting in the long line didn’t seem to mind squatting in that position for hours, but I gave up and awkwardly stood. I had arrived an hour before the office opened to […]

Hope Takes a Taxi

Kalil embraced me as I stepped out of the taxi in the small village. It had been some time since I had seen his big smile and perfectly combed beard, but he was as affectionate as ever. Mourad stepped out of the taxi behind me, and before I had a […]

Saved by Ransom

Tariq is a typical Syrian. He is proud to be a Muslim, and he has so much love for his country that, so far, he has refused to leave war-torn Syria. My family and I lived in Syria for many years. During our years there, Tariq and I became very […]

When I am Weak

My family has lived in our host country a year and a half now. Some days, we’ve felt down and discouraged—and not just because of the large rat that recently took residence in our kitchen. (Our son keeps referring to it as the rabbit.) I’m slowly plodding along in language […]

10 Responses to ISIS

With ISIS occupying significant international media and political attention, many are wondering how we should to respond. First, how are Muslims responding? Muslims who actually support ISIS and its actions seem to be a small minority. This minority holds that ISIS is nearer to the true practice of Islam than […]

India is an Ocean

You want me to describe India to you. You want me to tell you what it’s like. I can’t. I could describe it with a thousand words. That wouldn’t be enough. I could show you a hundred photos, but it wouldn’t do it justice. Words and photos only offer a […]